1. Do what makes you happy.

2. Choose your battles.

3. Do premarital counseling, it's always good to communicate.

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1. There ceremony is about you and your fiance, the reception is about everyone else.

2. Themes and styles and trends will change, but etiquette never goes out of style.

3. Tradition is not a 4-letter word.

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1. DO make sure the very first thing you do is make your guest list - you don't want to fall in love with a venue & then find out it's too small, or you may realize that there's a large guest list and you have to cut back in other areas. It's best to know what kind/size wedding you're dealing with first.

2. DON'T even LOOK at a dress you can't afford. Don't even walk into a store that sells them. If you fall in love with a dress early on - sit on it. Don't act too fast. I made this mistake early on - I should've gone with another choice, but I didn't and I regret it.

3. DO remember to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) don't kill yourself over the small details - no one will notice if the bridesmaid dresses aren't EXACTLY the same shade of green as the green orchids in your hair, that your dress is ivory and your hubby's vest is white, or that the programs don't have a bow on them, what font you used... hell, they might not notice if you don't even have a program at all.

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Number one: Your wedding should be a statement of you and your fiance. No one else. Sure, you're family is going to want you to do things that you don't want to do and I say, if you really don't want to do them, don't. If you could go either way, do it for the ones you love.

Number two: Don't settle. You don't need a unlimited budget to have the overall feeling that you want. Sure it helps, but you don't need it. You'd be amazed at the things you can find.

Number three: Etsy is your friend. Make it your best friend. You can find *the* cutest things there that are not worthless crap. And you can spend a lot less money on things you need like invites, jewelry, favors...the list goes on and on.

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1.Have a separate email account for all-things-wedding and to help control the spam you get when you sign up and/or register at sites/stores.

2.Figure out the size of your guest list right away.

3.Each of you should have a list of priorities about the Wedding Day. It makes it easier to plan if you know what is most important to each other.

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1. Ignore the WIC voice that's telling you that you need a wedding planner - you definitely don't. For us, our friends and family were more than willing to help make our day a success, and chances are, your loved ones will, too.

2. Wear the yellow shoes. Or the veil. Or no veil. Or a short dress. Or a long, long, forever long train. Or a pantsuit. Or whatever. In other words, DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU.

3. DO NOT sign up for stuff at bridal shows. All you get is spam email...and no sweet deals, sadly.

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1. Create a separate email that you will use for wedding related items only. This is a repeat of what Val wrote. But it is the best piece of advice anyone can give. If you don't, your email inbox will get spammed with crap. You get signed up for email distributions that you didn't know existed.

2. Have a budget (and stick to it). Sit down and list out the top three items that are most important to you both and the bottom three items that you are willing to let go of. Keep this list in mind as you plan. It's easy to get lost in the details. You get inspired from blogs and such and want to incorporate the ideas in your own wedding; details add up (in cost). You don't want to blow your budget on something that wasn't important in the first place.

3. Stay true to yourself (and your fiance). Let's say that you wanted 4 bridesmaids, but you fear that you'll offend someone if you don't ask them, so you just go with 2. Screw it! Do what makes you happy. You wanted to be supported by your closest friends and family. These are people that are going to stand by your side as you begin a new chapter in your life.

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1. You can save money for your wedding, but don't forget to buy the groceries and pay your rent. Basically, don't starve yourself and go poor on your drinking buddies just because you're getting married. You should not go broke for just one day of your life. Spend a chunk of change, sure, but not your life savings. Every Hot Bride needs a margarita or 6 after they get engaged (especially the days leading up to!).

2. Hate to admit it, but compromise is key. It might be your wedding day, but just to remind some of you brides, it's your partner's day, too. Chances are they should get at least an opinion or two in before making it official. It's only fair. Or something like that. From what I'm reminded of from time to time.

3. Keep your sense of humor about you. This day, while understandably stressful, is not going to be the last day of your life if the flowers are late, the DJ plays that damn Electric Slide 3 times (though if you need to kill him, I understand and support you), or your groomsmen get a little rowdy by the open bar. It's going to happen. Just roll with the punches. Laugh. Your pictures will look really amazing, even if the backstory is you're just laughing to keep from killing your brother-in-law.

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1. When picking your wedding party make sure that everyone understands what their roles are and what is expected of them. Don't assume that they will help because they are a bridesmaid, for example. They may be thinking that means that they'll have to wear a dress you choose and stand next to you on wedding day! So make it clear that you expect a little help!

2. Your centerpiece doesn't have to be huge and over- the-top to make a statement, small centerpieces are quite beautiful too. Sometimes all you need is a bud vase and one beautiful flower, which could have even been growing wild, to create a stunning centerpiece.

3. Yard sales, thrift shops are flea markets can lead to some fab finds so don't steer clear of them while wedding planning. I bought 14 clear, glass vases for 25 cents each at a yard sale and those are the type of wedding items that can even be sold again.

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